Antique Vintage Nouveau 14k Rose Gold Etruscan Revival Repousse Drop Earrings

Description

We have similar Etruscan and Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Etruscan" and "Nouveau" under our auction items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Art Nouveau C. 1890 - 1910
Markings:
"14k" on the back of the earrings, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
9 grams
Metal Type:
14k rose gold
Metal Melt Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
--
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
--
Stone Cuts:
--
Earring Style:
Drop/dangle
Earring Backing Style:
Shepherd's crook backings with safety catches. Your local jeweler can easily convert these to the preferred backing style you desire.
For Pierced or Non-Pierced Ears:
Pierced
Item Measurements:
Length:
1.13" (including backings)
Width:
0.72"
Notable Features:
These earrings were handmade during the Art Nouveau era. Composed of 14k rose gold, the earrings feature a geometric and repousse designs inspired by the Etruscan Revival. Part of the larger Archaeological Revival movement, the Etruscan Revival began in the 1830s following the discovery of ancient Etruscan sites outside of Rome. Inspired by the jewelry discovered at these sites, jewelers began to incorporate motifs and techniques that appeared in Etruscan jewelry into their own work, with intricate gold designs and granulation being especially popular. The influence of the ancient Etruscans on the work of jewelers would continue throughout the 19th century and into the 20th century.
Each earring features a unique design of an open oval motif with slanted edges. Dangling within the center of each oval is a domed, rounded motif, which would have been created using the repousse metalworking technique to hand-hammer the rose gold from the opposite side. This dome showcases rope twist motifs adorned with rosette designs. The slanted, lower portion of each oval also contains rope twist and rosette motifs, as well as granulated rose gold beads. Popular in ancient Etruscan jewelry, granulation involves placing tiny rose gold beads onto jewelry without the benefit of solder.
Completing the earrings are shepherd's crook backings with safety catches which makes them suitable for pierced ears. The generous amount of 14k rose gold in the earrings gives them an impressive item weight value of 0. A classic example of the styles of jewelry popular during the Art Nouveau era, these earrings would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear. Patina on the gold gives this piece an antique quality which we believe is quite lovely.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.”  This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period.  This era focused on women and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a common material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.
Etruscan Revival jewelry was first popularized during the early 1800s when an Etruscan tomb was discovered just outside of Rome. Upon its discovery, jewelers worked to imitate and understand the metalworking techniques with which the jewelry was made. Not only was Etruscan jewelry a luxurious addition to the Victorian styles of the day. But it introduced new ideas and decorations. These Etruscan tombs contained jewelry adorned with long and flowing geometric lines and motifs, mythological imagery and scenery, and celestial elements. The techniques of repoussé, filigree, and granulation are all attributed to the Etruscans.
Repoussé began as an ancient metalworking technique dating as far back as the 3rd century BC, involving malleable metal that was hammered onto the reverse side to create an image on the front. Examples are found all over the world; Greece, Egypt, and even the Hopewell periods in the American southeast. Reverse side hammering was also used to add detail to the front, creating intricate patterns using grooves, indentations, and channeling. The piece was then carefully polished to create a hollow, eye-catching treasure.
Domestic US
: All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
Auction Items:
Base shipping + .00 per additional gold item & BIN items combine for free
BIN Items:
FREE
Base Shipping:
USPS
First Class
: .00 fully insured, estimated 3-5 business days
USPS
Priority Mail
: .00 fully insured, estimated 2-3 business days
USPS
Priority Express
: .00 fully insured, overnight delivery
International
: All packages are sent via USPS and pricing is based on buyer location. Each customer will receive a revised invoice at the close of the auction with an updated shipping rate. We will combine shipping on multiple purchases for free.
We do not undervalue packages for customs, please do not ask us to do so. What you pay is what we will claim on your customs form.
Please take this into consideration before placing your bid.
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If you find yourself not wanting to risk losing this piece during an auction, we will entertain Buy It Now offers. However, we will not accept any offers in the 24 hours prior to an auction ending. Please message us with your best offer, and if accepted, we will add a Buy It Now option to this piece for you.